“Testing times” for Indian democracy: Sonia Gandhi


Team Udayavani, Aug 16, 2020, 11:30 AM IST

New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said these were “testing times” for Indian democracy and people need to introspect if there is freedom in the country to ask questions, disagree or seek accountability.

Since independence, India has tested its democratic values from time to time and constantly developed them, Gandhi said in her Independence Day message.

She alleged that “the present government, it seems, is standing contrary to democratic system, constitutional values and established traditions. These are also testing times for Indian democracy”.

Gandhi said today all citizens need to introspect and think what freedom means.

“Is there freedom in the country today to write, to speak, to ask questions, to disagree, to have views, to seek accountability?” she asked, and added that “as a responsible opposition this is our responsibility that we make every effort and struggle to keep India’s democratic independence intact.”

India is not only famous across the world for its democratic values and pluralism of different languages, religions, and sects, but it is also known for facing adversity with unity, she said in her message on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day. Her message was in Hindi.

“Today, as the entire world is struggling with the coronavirus pandemic, India will have to unitedly defeat this pandemic and set an example. I can say with full confidence that all of us together will come out of this pandemic and the state of severe economic crisis,” Gandhi said.

Gandhi also referred to the Galwan Valley clashes in eastern Ladakh in June, saying that 60 days have passed since 20 Indian soldiers, including Colonel Suresh Babu, laid down their lives, achieving martyrdom.

“I pay tributes to them and salute their bravery, and urge the government to honour their valour and give them due respect. Thwarting the Chinese incursions and protecting the sovereignty of motherland would be the greatest tribute to them,” she added.

She wished the countrymen on Independence Day, and hoped for a bright democratic future for the country.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Bantwal: Theft at Shree Mahalingeshwar temple

States not empowered to take over all private properties for distribution to serve common good: SC

Chhattisgarh NAN ‘scam’: FIR against 2 retired IAS officers, former AG

Davangere: MLA Basavantappa returns Rs 1.2 lakh left behind at shop

Woman dies after being hit by luxury car driven by ‘drunk’ youth in Karnataka

MLA Bharat Shetty condemns attack on Edneer Math Swamiji’s vehicle in Kerala

‘Idiot’: Former Canadian Sikh minister slams Justin Trudeau over Khalistan issue

Related Articles More

Delhi riots case: HC dismisses plea by Khalid Saifi against attempt to murder charge

States not empowered to take over all private properties for distribution to serve common good: SC

Chhattisgarh NAN ‘scam’: FIR against 2 retired IAS officers, former AG

India, Australia strategic partnership growing steadily: EAM Jaishankar

Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy booked for threatening police officer

Bantwal: Theft at Shree Mahalingeshwar temple

Delhi riots case: HC dismisses plea by Khalid Saifi against attempt to murder charge

States not empowered to take over all private properties for distribution to serve common good: SC

Chhattisgarh NAN ‘scam’: FIR against 2 retired IAS officers, former AG

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.